NicholasAlbanese

The Reverend Nicholas Albanese, 88, of Wind Gap, PA, passed to a better life on Saturday evening. He died peacefully in his home with his loved ones by his side. Born: He was born in Bethlehem on May 9th, 1924, to parents James Vincenzo and Clara Carmela Compitello Albanese. Personal: Father Nick is a beloved member of the community. He served in the Navy during World War II. He graduated from Pen Argyl High School class of 1941, the University of the South in Sewanee, TN, with a B.A in History and a Master's of Divinity degree from the Sewanee School of Theology. His ministry lasted 48 years, including three years of missionary work in Central America. His service includes parishes in the Scranton, PA, area, in Laurel, DE, and for 12 years he was the priest of St. Joseph's Episcopal Church in West Bangor and St. Mary's Episcopal Church in Wind Gap, his home parish. He worked tirelessly to create and promote local outreach programs, including a food bank for the poor which operated out of St. Joseph's church. Throughout his life and ministry, Father Nick has touched the lives of hundreds of people through his compassion, kindness, guidance, and service to God and humanity. Memberships: He was a member of Forest City Lodge#439 F & A M, a member of the Society of Saint Francis, and has been honored by the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania for 22 years of distinguished service as Chaplain for the Episcopal Apartments of the Slate Belt, of which he also served on the Board of Directors. Survivors: He is survived by his wife of 47 years, Angie De Nardo; children, Joanne Pados and her husband, John of Pen Argyl and Nicholas of Worcester, MA; grandchildren, Joshua, Madison, and Mason Pados; brothers, Archie, Eugene, and LeRoy all of Wind Gap; sisters, Jeanette Andrew of Wind Gap and Norma Manento of Pen Argyl; and numerous nieces and nephews. Father Nick was preceded in death by his parents; brothers, Ernest and Roger; and sister, Theresa Purvis. Services: Funeral services will be held, Saturday, November 17, 2012, at 11 a.m., at St. Mary's Episcopal Church, 340 N. Lehigh Ave., Wind Gap, PA. There will be viewing hours, Thursday, from 4 to 8 p.m. at the Guerro & Ruggiero Funeral Home, http://www.ruggierofuenralhome.comwww.ruggierofuneralhome.com, 126 E. Pennsylvania Ave., Pen Argyl. Interment will be in St. Joseph's Cemetery, West Bangor. Memorials: Memorial donation may be offered to either, St. Mary's Episcopal Church, P.O. Box 365, Wind Gap, PA 18091 or to St. Joseph's Episcopal Church, 1440 Verona Drive, Pen Argyl, PA 18072.